Which of the following describes a matrix organizational structure?

• A. Single-manager reporting
• B. Employees report to more than one manager for a project
• C. Purely hierarchical
• D. No project teams

Answer: (B)

A matrix structure means staff have dual reporting lines, typically to a functional manager and to a project manager for the work they’re doing. This arrangement lets people with different specialist skills work together on projects that cross functional boundaries, so resources can be shared and projects can adapt quickly to changing needs. Because of this setup, employees end up answering to more than one manager for a given project, which is the defining feature of a matrix organization.

Other descriptions describe different ways of organizing work. A single manager points to a traditional, straightforward reporting line, not the dual authority seen in a matrix. A purely hierarchical structure emphasizes one clear chain of command. No project teams would contradict the idea of cross-functional teams assembled for projects, which is central to the matrix approach.